Shloka 19
Explanation of the Sapiṇḍana Rite; Causes of Pretahood; Viṣṇu Worship and Preta-ghaṭa Dāna
तदा हृष्टमना भूत्वा तस्यान्तिकमुपागतः / अब्रवीत्स तदा तार्क्ष्य प्रेतराजो नृपं वचः
tadā hṛṣṭamanā bhūtvā tasyāntikamupāgataḥ / abravītsa tadā tārkṣya pretarājo nṛpaṃ vacaḥ
ครั้นแล้วเขามีใจยินดีจึงเข้าไปใกล้; และในเวลานั้น โอ้ตารกษยะ (ครุฑ) ราชาแห่งเปรตได้กล่าวถ้อยคำแก่พระราชา।
Narrator (Garuda Purana dialogue context: Lord Vishnu addressing Garuda, describing Yama/Preta-raja’s actions)
Afterlife Stage: Pretayoni
Concept: Approach to a worthy person and truthful speech as a means to resolve suffering; dialogue as transmission of dharma/knowledge.
Vedantic Theme: Satsaṅga (association with the noble) catalyzes inner change; speech aligned with truth (satya) becomes liberating.
Application: Seek counsel from the wise; speak truthfully and directly when guiding others through crisis or grief.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: forest/wilderness
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: recurring frame of Garuḍa addressed as Tārkṣya in didactic sections (structural parallel); Garuda Purana: dialogues between living and departed explaining causes/remedies (general)
FAQs
This verse uses the title “Preta-raja” to emphasize Yama’s jurisdiction over departed beings (pretas) and his authoritative role in the post-death moral order described in the Garuda Purana.
While brief, it situates the narrative scene in Yama’s domain: the departed king is addressed by Yama, indicating the transition from worldly kingship to accountability before the ruler of the departed.
The verse reminds readers that status does not exempt one from ethical accountability; it supports living with dharma and preparing for death through right conduct and appropriate śrāddha/ancestral observances.